The use of a 3D Milling Machine in controlled Flaking Experiments

Sam C. Lin1, Chris Clarkson2, Alex Mackay1 1 University of Wollongong (Australia) 2 Queensland University (Australia) ... A Case Study of Levallois Flake Formation Controlled experiments in percussive flaking allows objective analysis of the causal relationships between independent knapping variables and their corresponding flaking outcomes. However, one of the common critiques levelled against a controlled experimental approach is that the flaking products do not always resemble real-world specimens. Indeed, earlier controlled experiments used materials such as plate glass and prisms that only allowed for limited variations in core morphology, often in forms that are far removed from archaeological cores. Over the past decade, studies began to use glass cores moulded into specific shapes that mimic archaeological specimens. This experimental design has proven to be effective in producing flaking products that are similar to those produced via flintknapping. However, beyond glass, incorpo